Master Of Reality and Declan McDonogh © Photo Healy Racing
The Joseph O'Brien-trained Master Of Reality bagged back-to-back victories in Her Majesty's Plate at Down Royal this evening with a fine front-running performance.
Declan McDonogh let the 2/1 favourite slide on into the lead after a couple of furlongs in the Listed contest and he made the best of his way home from there.
The 2/1 favourite shook off the attentions of Barbados at the top of the hill and skipped a couple of lengths clear a furlong-and-a-half from home. Iowa and Springbank gave chase going to the furlong pole but couldn't make inroads and it was Federica Sophia who stayed on best late on to get within a length-and-three-quarters at the line.
Assistant trainer Brendan Powell said: "He has got his head in front again and he has done it nicely.
"Declan said he was hating that ground, it was probably just a bit quick for him, but he said his ability probably got it.
"No, he's not (a horse to give a soft lead to) because you know he will just keep going."
In terms of the Melbourne Cup, he said: “It is still on the cards but they have to pass so many tests now before they go, so we'll have to see.
"Sure, there's plenty more races on the way for him."
When asked about the Ebor, he replied: "I suppose he could go to the Ebor as he's used to carrying loads of weight."
It was a double on the card for McDonogh following his earlier victory on Ever Rock
(Quotes by Michael Graham)
